Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prep Work:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper (optional but recommended).
  2. Make the Dough:

    • Cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
    • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
    • Dissolve baking soda in hot water and stir into the batter with the salt.
    • Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
    • Fold in chocolate chips and cashews (if using).
  3. Shape and Bake:

    • Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
    • Bake for 11 minutes (raw dough) or 14 minutes (frozen dough) until the edges are golden brown and the center remains slightly wet.
  4. Cool and Serve:

    • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store in an airtight container.

Plating & Garnishing

  • Serving: Stack cookies on a wire rack or arrange on a parchment-lined plate.
  • Finish: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top while still warm from the oven.

Tips & Optimization

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best emulsion.
  • Freeze the Dough: You can freeze the shaped dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add 3 minutes to the bake time.
  • Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until no white streaks remain to avoid a tough cookie.

Safety & Quality

Safety & Quality: Ensure ingredients like eggs are fresh and store the finished cookies in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent staleness. Reheat leftovers to 165°F if desired, though cookies are typically enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.